Aston Villa now ‘frontrunners’ for record-breaking striker signing as Watkins exit nears

Aston Villa are preparing for life after Ollie Watkins and a top reporter claims they’re now the ‘frontrunners’ to complete a record-breaking striker signing.

Watkins has been a constant force leading Villa’s line over the past six seasons, scoring 108 goals from 278 appearances in that span.

However, the 30-year-old is the subject of strong interest from Saudi Arabian side, Al-Hilal, and Watkins wants the move.

Al-Hilal have already offered £38m for the frontman. Our insider, Graeme Bailey, broke news on Friday of Al-Hilal readying what they hope will be a decisive second bid.

Aston Villa were originally holding out for £55m, but sources now expect Villa to cash in if Al-Hilal bid £50m.

Accordingly, Villa are actively exploring the market for a new striker, and the player they’re zeroing in on will cost a club-record fee.

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Aston Villa frontrunners for £65m Nicolas Jackson signing

Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea is that player, with the latest from Ben Jacobs revealing which team is providing the stiffest competition for the coup.

‘Aston Villa viewed as frontrunners for Nicolas Jackson with Chelsea prioritising a sale,’ wrote Jacobs on X. ‘£65m asking price.

‘Atletico Madrid talks centred on a loan formula with no breakthrough.

‘Al-Hilal pursuit of Ollie Watkins ongoing. Saudi club will be back with a new bid.’

As mentioned, Chelsea’s asking price is £65m and the Blues are adamant Jackson will only go via a permanent sale and not another loan.

Aston Villa cannot loan the 25-year-old Senegal international anyway given they’ve already taken one Chelsea player on loan already (Alejandro Garnacho).

Jackson is more than willing to leave Chelsea in order to join a club where he’ll play regularly.

He spent last season loaned to Bayern Munich, though for a very obvious Harry Kane-shaped reason, he remained rooted to the bench more often than not.

Jackson’s record at Stamford Bridge reads 30 goals from 81 games, and the player is a known commodity to Emery. The Villa boss managed the striker during their time at Villarreal.

If Villa do seal this deal at Chelsea’s asking price, Jackson would become the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

The current record holder is Johan Manzambi by way of his £59.5m arrival from Freiburg earlier this summer.